The Vivienne Dies Amid Online Abuse

The Vivienne, the Drag Race UK star whose real name was James Lee Williams, tragically passed away at the age of 32 on January 5, after enduring severe homophobic abuse in the days leading up to their death. Their final public appearance was on a Boxing Day episode of Blankety Blank, which resulted in a wave of online vitriol from trolls who targeted them for their drag performances. Fellow drag queen Myra DuBois condemned the abuse and highlighted the need for society to challenge transphobia and support LGBTQ+ individuals actively. The Vivienne's passing has sparked outrage and grief within the LGBTQ+ community, with many emphasizing the broader issue of increasing homophobia in society. While authorities reported no suspicious circumstances surrounding The Vivienne's death, the abuse they faced has compounded the tragedy of their untimely passing. The Vivienne was celebrated for their contributions to representation on television and was a beloved figure in the drag community.